Homeowners Insurance Cover Chimney Repair?

Winter is a merry and bright time of year in the Hudson Valley, NY region, with malls decorated in the holiday spirit. However, after a fun-filled day of Christmas shopping, you notice that the chimney has severe exterior damage. As your holiday gifts drop to the ground in disbelief, you wonder if your homeowners insurance policy will cover the chimney repair.

How Chimney Insurance Coverage Works

Your standard homeowners insurance policy (HO-1) reimburses you for damage to your home’s structure and systems, including the chimney, from a covered peril or event. So, what is a covered peril? It depends on your specific policy, coverage limits, and deductible. A basic (HO-1) policy generally covers chimney damage due to a fire, lightning strike, hail, windstorm, smoke, and vandalism. A more comprehensive policy (HO-2) covers additional perils like ice or snow damage, falling objects, cracking, burning, or a bulging home system, such as the chimney, flue, fireplace, and other attached heating appliances. HO-3, 4, and 5 policies cover even more perils.

Policy Limits and Exclusions

However, there are always limitations and exclusions with every insurance policy.

Limitations and exclusions are events that your insurance policy doesn’t cover, like floods, earthquakes, and neglect. You will need to check with your policy to determine your specific coverage, policy limits, and deductible.

Who Pays for Flood Damage to My Chimney?

Homeowners must purchase a separate flood insurance policy to cover their chimney and fireplace from flood damage. Flood insurance is provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is managed by FEMA. Visit floodsmart.gov to find a participating flood insurance provider in the Hudson Valley area.

Who to Call for Chimney Repair Claims

Your first instinct is to contact your insurance provider immediately, but is that a wise decision? When you file a claim with an insurance company, the job of their adjuster is to limit their exposure. That means they are going to carefully inspect the damage to determine whether they will approve or deny your chimney repair claim. If they deny your claim or reimburse you for less than the repair cost, you have a right to appeal their decision. So, call Hudson Valley Chimney at (845) 471-1071 as soon as possible. A Certified Chimney Sweep® will come to your home or business to inspect your chimney and provide an estimate for repairs. We also work with insurance claims.

Public Adjuster for Chimney Repair Claims

The New York Public Adjusters Association (NYPAA) can direct you to a public adjuster in your area who advocates on your behalf, negotiating directly with your insurance company and ensuring you get the maximum settlement for your covered loss.

They will contact and file the claim with your insurance company on your behalf. Public adjusters usually take a small percentage of the settlement as a fee for their services, with the remaining proceeds going to the homeowner for the repairs.

Public adjusters are familiar with state insurance laws, common insurance practices, and your rights so that you can complete your chimney repair as soon as possible.

Chimney Inspections and Insurance Repair in Hudson Valley, NY

Ensure your homeowners insurance will cover chimney repairs from peril by having an annual inspection and cleaning. Sooty Rob’s Hudson Valley Chimney is the premier chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair provider in Fishkill, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls, and the Hudson Valley region. Call us at (845) 471-1071 to schedule an appointment today!